Curator’s statement
Montepulciano was the first place I visited abroad. I studied here for six months in my senior year of college, and this tiny town sparked my love for Italy and travel. I have gone back twice to take family and friends. I have also helped plan trips for my friends to visit long before I became a travel advisor. Montepulciano will forever be my favorite place in the world.
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Where to stay in Montepulciano, Italy
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Things to do in Montepulciano, Italy
Visit the Torture Museu.
Clock Tower on Pallazo Comunale: For one of the best views, climb to the top of the tower.
Visit an underground wine cellar and taste Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano: De’Ricci Cantine Storiche is one of the most popular and well known wine cellars. Lots of shops will let you tour their cellars for free in hopes you buy their wine, but there is no pressure.
Visit Fortezza Medicea & go wine tasting: The Fortress is where all my classes were held. Kennesaw State University rents the building for $1 and in return renovated the fortress for the town. There is a beautiful garden attached to the fortress, so taste some wine and stroll around.
Take a tour of Montepulciano: There are multiple tours that explain the history of the town and also include food and wine.
Visit the Temple of San Biagio: It is different from many other churches you might see in Tuscany due to its Greek influence.
Watch the barrel races: During the last week of August, the town has a barrel race. The 8 districts in town compete to get a wine barrel to the top of the mountain. The days leading up to the race are filled with parties and feasts held by one district each night.
Simply just walk around: You could spend your whole day just walking in and out of boutique stores and tasting wine, so why not!
Places to eat & drink in Montepulciano, Italy
Le Logge Del Vignola: Modern take on Italian cuisine, the restaurant is listed on the Michelin Guide.
Osteria Acquacheta: This is a must visit for steak lovers. All of the food is from local farms. The owner will come around with a slab of meat and you pick your cut. This isn’t just a meal, it is an experience. I have had multiple friends say it was the best meal they had.
Caffe Poliziano: I went here every morning for a cappuccino and croissant. The Pastries are amazing and the view is breathtaking. This is a great spot to stop for an aperitivo.
Menchetti Montepulciano: Great for a quick pizza
Pausilli Rita: A tiny little butcher shop perfect for fresh sandwiches. Ms. Rita herself will be there everyday making them.
Osteria Porta Di Bacco: Home-style Tuscan cooking.
Osteria Del Conte: At the top of the town, quality Tuscan menu with great outdoor seating.
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Kate O'Connell
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Girls Trip to Savannah. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy.